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Red Sitko

Halfback

Inducted 1984

Date of Birth

9/7/1923

Birthplace

Fort Wayne, IN

School

University of Notre Dame (1946-1949)

Bio

Emil Sitko, coming out of service in World War II, enrolled at Notre Dame as a 23-year-old freshman in 1946. He was a starter on the football team three years at right half and one year at fullback. In those four years the Notre Dame record was 36-0-2. Emil had two nicknames. Back in his hometown, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, he was "Red." In football he was "Six-Yard Sitko." He led his team in rushing all four years and his career average was 6.1 yards a try. In 1949, he also led the team in kickoff returns, averaging 22 yards. He made the consensus All-America team in 1948 and was unanimous All-America in 1949. He twice placed in the top ten of the Heisman voting. After playing pro football 1950-52, he became a sporting good dealer and represanative.